Firstly, the application background and advantages of star map recognition algorithm are introduced. The three mainstream star map recognition algorithms, which are the subgraph isomorphic algorithms, pattern recognition algorithms and artificial intelligence algorithms, are introduced, analyzed and compared. After that, the evaluation of star map recognition algorithm research is explained. Finally, the future development of star identification algorithm is prospected, including the future research on star identification in non visible light, star identification in high dynamic complex environment and star identification considering aero optical effects.